Its election season and much is said about the how people of faith will vote: evangelicals, Catholics,

Jews to name a few.

Religious liberty and the treatment of Muslims have taken center stage.
The First Amendment and the separation of church and state are hotly debated. Like many Americans, we ask, Whats
faith got to do with politics and elections?
Join us for FAITH AND AMERICAN POLITICS, a series of discussions to explore the intersection of faith and politics and how we
respond.
6 Sunday evenings
6:00 to 7:30 PM
October 2 to November 6
Bethany United Church of Christ
30 N Main Street
Randolph VT 05060
What is FAITH AND AMERICAN POLITICS?
The course offers a dynamic exploration
of how we form our religious and political
beliefs, and how to share diverse
opinions in a safe environment with
respect for the opinions and dignity of all.
This series includes readings, videos,
small group reflection and discussion
with all participants.
What are the themes of the six
sessions?

Yearning for Change

Conceived in Liberty
Gods Passion for Justice
Separation of Church and State: Then and Now
Biblical to Justice: Jesus and the Prophets
Finding My Political Compass

Participants will get the most out of the

program by participating in all six, but
each session can also stand alone.
Who is this series for?
Ideally participants will come from a
variety of faith traditions, the spiritualbut-not-religious and those of no faith.
Similarly, we hope to see Republicans
and Democrats, conservatives, liberals
and progressives, the politically active,
those fed up with the whole process and
the apolitical. The course is designed to
bring people together from a wide variety of religious
and political perspectives.
What can you expect?
Participants will have an opportunity to consider their
own faith and political journeys and learn how to discuss
potentially contentious issues with civility.

Sponsored by: the Peace and Justice Committee of Bethany UCC

Why FAITH AND AMERICAN POLITICS?

The course was created by lay professionals at First
Community Church in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. M. Scott Peck, bestselling author of The Road
Less Traveled, was deeply concerned by the
deteriorating discourse across our nation regarding
politics. In 2004 Dr. Peck read a sermon by Dr.
Richard A. Wing, Senior Minister of First
Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, on just this
topic.
During one of their conversations, Dr. Wing
encouraged Dr. Peck to write a proposal for small
group study. From that, lay leaders at First
Community Church met and studied related topics
for more than two years. The result: the Liberty and
Justice for All curriculum created, tested, and
distributed by this leadership group.
Dr. Peck, in his final interview before his death, is a
part of the video used in Liberty and Justice for All.

Who are on the faculty of FAITH AND

AMERICAN POLITICS?
Each evening begins with a 20 to 30
minute video including a number or widely
respected and highly qualified individuals.
Dr. Marcus Borg (1942-2015)
Historian, author, Professor of Religion and Culture, Oregon
State University.
Rev. Dr. LaTaunya Bynum
Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of
Northern California Nevada.
Dr. J. Terrance Davi
Interim Chief Medical Officer, Nationwide Childrens Hospital,
Columbus, OH.; Physician, missionary, and Retired Chief of
Cardiac Surgery, Nationwide Childrens Hospital.
Hon. Judith L. French, Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, 10th District.
John W. Hoberg, Esq.
Videographer, attorney, retired partner of Vorys, Sater, Seymour
and Pease, LLP; Founding Trustee of Faith & American Politics, Inc.
Rev. Deborah Countiss Lindsay
Minister of Spiritual Care at First Community Church, Columbus,
OH.; Former television newscaster, marketing executive.
Rev. James M. Long
Minister of Pastoral Care at First Community Church, Columbus,
OH.
Jeb S. Magruder
Minister, author, former White House official, former marketing
consultant.
Dr. David N. Mayer
Professor of Law and History at Capital University.
Hon. Thomas J. Moyer
Chief Justice, Ohio Supreme Court.
Dr. M. Scott Peck (1936-2005)
Author, psychiatrist, theologian. Harvard (B.A.),
Rev. Jim Wallis
President and Executive Director, Sojourners.
Rev. Dr. Richard A. Wing
Senior Minister, First Community Church, Columbus, OH.
Richard D. Wood, Sr.
Spiritual Guidance Counselor, Chair Emeritus of Faith & American
Politics, Inc.; retired businessman, veteran.